Editorial

Mary Sue Molnar, marysueintx@yahoo.com

Counting My Blessings

I can vaguely remember the first time I combed through the Texas Sex Offender Registry several years past. It was my assumption that every face, every name, every individual on the registry was a threat. Each photo held the face of someone who had committed a heinous crime. Every registered sex offender was truly dangerous.

My assumptions about the registry, then fueled by media hysteria, have changed considerably. The disturbing reality is that many people amongst the 56,000 registered sex offenders on the dreaded Texas registry are placed on life-time, public registration requirements, despite the fact they pose no threat to children or public safety.

Our Texas Voices website receives email on a daily basis. Most of these emails reinforce how over-inclusive sex offender laws are and how those laws emotionally and financially devastate entire families. The mail fills the spectrum from young men who made a one-time mistake or fell in love with a younger woman, through wives of offenders ask if this nightmare will ever end, to family members seeking help and support.

A few short years ago, I would never have imagined myself as part of an organization working for the reform of sex offender laws. It was never my problem. I trusted our lawmakers. I trusted the system. There are times when I wish I did not know what I know today; times when I long for that peace of mind that naivete' brings.

And so... I choose to see my glass as half -full. I choose to count my blessings and there are certainly many to count. My connection with the National RSOL has enabled me to work with and learn from other contacts across the US and many autonomous groups who are the active forces in their own states, and on a national level. I am especially thankful to Laurie Peterson in New Hampshire. Even though she is young enough to be my daughter, Laurie has been my mentor. I often copy and paste her emails for future reference. And Kelly in Georgia, who is old enough to be my father, has always provided much needed help when I am searching for facts, statistics, ideas and support. Alice in New Mexico is definitely a source of inspiration; 80 years old and she is a powerhouse of an organizer. Mary in Oklahoma is always available to help anyone with absolutely anything; I often wonder where she finds the time to eat and sleep. I can always count on informative, interesting emails from Mary in Virginia and Bennie in Colorado. Alex and Alain are always available to send encouraging words our way. The list goes on and on, so many wonderful people working so hard to climb this jagged cliff.

And of course, my cup overflows when I think of those I have met from Texas. They are compassionate, intelligent, levelheaded, supportive, and hard working. What began as a group of strangers is now a community. Texas Voices members and supporters share a bond that is solid and strong.

Even though I find myself caught up in this seemingly never-ending nightmare, I must always remember to count my blessings.

It will be through, those blessing that change will occur!